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It is that time of year again! Skills Canada Nunavut is seeking board members from across the territory who have an interest in working with youth and are able to volunteer throughout the year at trades activities, competition events, and fundraising initiatives. A background in education and/or a skilled trades and technology-related field, and knowledge of Inuktut would be considered an asset. This is an innovative organization that is connected to Skills Canada, a national organization that provides trades/technology opportunities to youth across Canada, through global initiatives.

Please submit a statement of intent and current resume by September 28th to:

Skills Canada Nunavut is proud to offer Skills Summer Trades Camps this year, for students aged 12-14 in Iqaluit throughout the entire month of July. Funded by the Department of Family Services, Skills Canada Nunavut is excited to able to provide free summer programs as a way to expose youth to a variety of trades and technology careers, showing them first hand that the trades are made up of fun and engaging projects to do. Exposing youth to the excitement of trades before they hit high school could inspire future career choices- right here in their community.

The Skills Summer Trades Camps began with Carpentry. For two full weeks, students were tasked to build three outdoor playhouses (small cabins) under the direction of New Brunswick Community College instructor and Skills Canada National Technical Committee Member, Steve Austin. Students came into the program with little to no carpentry knowledge. They worked in teams of two and three to build each structure, while learning the foundations of carpentry and workplace safety every step of the way. After just a few hours, the campers were not only making quick progress on their projects, they were also learning that working with their hands to build something tangible can be rewarding, and a lot of fun!

The Skills Summer Carpentry Camp ran daily from July 3-13 at the workshop at Inuksuk High School. Since the weather in Iqaluit was so warm and beautiful, the students were working with the garage doors open to allow airflow. Skills Nunavut staff was worried the students would feel like they were missing out on the sunshine, but many of them even opted to come in on a Saturday to get an extra day of building done! Once they got started, they didn't want to stop.

Not only did our carpentry campers benefit from the professional carpentry training, they also had trades math classes and employability skills workshops a few times a week with Skills Nunavut alumnus, Katie Devereaux; Katie competed for Nunavut in Job Search in Saskatoon and has lots of tips to share. While the youth were giving their hands and feet a break, the students got to type up their resumes, learn how to ask and answer formal interview questions, and craft their own professional cover letters. Each student got to experience the process of applying for a job- in this case a mock position of a Junior Carpenter- and then sit through an interview with Katie. Every one of them was qualified for the job!

At the beginning of the two weeks, the students were not sure if they would be able to complete their cabins. However, as they witnessed their new skills in action, they were motivated to finish the cabins by the end of camp. And they did, with big smiles on their faces. The trades and technologies really are perfect activities for youth: They provide a challenge, give youth an opportunity to problem solve and make decisions, have fun while being focused on a goal, and most importantly, trades like carpentry give youth self-confidence when they see the end result of all their hard work! All of our skilled campers were stoked to see their completed cabins and show their families. Stay tuned for the Skills Canada Nunavut cabin raffle!

Up next...Skills Summer Hairstyling Camp runs July 16-27!

Skills Canada Nunavut is excited to promote the Frobisher Inn Comedy Show featuring DeAnne Smith, with a performance by Toronto Drag Queen Beardoncé, and much more! Proceeds of this show will be donated to Skills Canada Nunavut and Inuksuk High's Positive Space Club. If you are in Iqaluit next Saturday, May 26th, make sure you get a ticket or two as this one-of-a-kind show is not to be missed! Guaranteed laughs, with funds going directly to Nunavut's youth!

The Territorial Skills Competition is the largest celebration of skilled trades and technology occupations & industries in Nunavut. This event is vital for our youth and apprentices as it rewards their craftsman/woman-ship, helps them develop new skills, friendships and mentor-ships, and create positive goals for their futures, building their communities and thus the territory.

2017-18 was an amazing year for Skills Canada Nunavut students and apprentices as we had over 60 competitors from 12 different communities participating in 16 different competition areas in Iqaluit. Throughout the school year, these hardworking Nunavummiut have been practicing and dedicating hours of their own time to learning their trades, often outside of the classroom with a passionate leader, so we wanted to ensure they had an amazing experience at this two-day event. Skills Canada Nunavut scheduled a full-day of training workshops with professional volunteers for all competitors in their chosen fields.

Although we have to select medalist, it is a huge accomplishment to participate in Skills Canada Nunavut programs and events, and so we encourage all our participants to keep working on their skills and to come back next year!

This week, November 5-11, is National Skilled Trades and Technology Week (#NSTTW)! Skills Nunavut will be joining Skills Canada and its members across the country in celebration by hosting free after school and lunchtime workshops and activities for youth designed to get them inspired by, and thinking of, the skilled trades as exciting, viable options for their futures. We will be partnering with professionals from our communities and leading a variety of different skills, including baking demonstrations, electrical snap circuits building, makeup tutorials, construction projects and much more!

It is clear that skilled trades and technology careers are important for our economy and an excellent career path for many young Nunavummiut. Yet many youth in the territory do not know what trade careers look like and lack the opportunities to try them out and pursue them long-term. This week of events and festivities is dedicated to raising awareness into the array of career options available in our communities, as well as the value in having a hands-on career.

We kicked off Nationals Skilled Trades and Technology Week on Sunday, November 5 at Inuksuk High School in Iqaluit. Skills Nunavut alumna and now National Technical Committee representative for Baking, Eliane Kanayuk-Gabriel, teamed up with local culinary arts experts to lead a six hour intensive cooking and baking workshop for keen high school students. The festivities will continue on November 7-8 when Skills Nunavut takes over the high school and middle school for Skills Try-A-Trade Extravaganza! On Friday, November 10th, there will be a free aesthetics workshop for students interested in learning theatrical and costume makeup application.

Pasta Making

#NSTTW

We invite you to follow along using #NSTTW and share your own stories and photos showcasing how your life benefits from the skilled and technologies. Wherever you are in the territory, skilled trades and technology workers are crucial to our daily lives. Encourage your yourself, your children or friends to participate in Skills Clubs throughout the year in communities across Nunavut. It's never to late to try something to and get involved in the skilled and technologies, from baking your own bread to learning to fix your Skidoo, you too can join #NSTTW right now!

Now that another new school year is underway and Skills Clubs across Nunavut are up and running, Skills Canada Nunavut is reflecting on what an amazing year we just had! We have steadily been growing each year in both the amount of programs offered across the territory and in the number of competitors attending the Territorial Skills Competition, meaning that more and more students are getting exposure to opportunities in trades and technologies.

At the most recent Territorial Skills Competition in April, we had competitions in 17 different trades, technology and employability skills areas and over seventy competitors from all three regions. We had the highest number of post-secondary apprentices registered for competition: Plumbing, Hairstyling and two for Electrical Installations. This was the second year we were able to host the Outdoor Engine Repair competition in Iqaluit, meaning that all competitions, with the exception of Plumbing were held on-site. Following the success of the 2016 Skills Competition, holding the Territorials on the weekend and allowing the students to have a full day of training prior to the competition day was invaluable and greatly improved the morale and performance of the competitors.

Shia Strowbridge of Iqaluit presents at the National Competition in Job Demonstration

Team Nunavut was made up of a total of 17 gold medalists from the Territorial Skills Competition and 8 student delegates, who were part of the Iqaluit Robotics team. The National Skills Competition was held in Winnipeg, MB from May 31-June 3 and once again we had competitors from all three regions of Nunavut. There are over forty trades and technology competitions at Nationals, as well as interactive Try-A-Trade stations, live-demonstrations and massive Trade Show, so this was a huge eye-opening experience for Nunavut competitors. Team Nunavut had competitors in 14 different competition and send three apprentices, our highest number yet. Team Nunauvt had a very strong finish following the two full days of competition. Nunavut won a bronze medal in post-secondary Electrical Installation and a bronze medal in Job Demonstration: Aesthetics.

Congratulations to all our competitors and big THANK YOU to all the participants, volunteer leaders, and sponsors who helped make 2016-17 an amazing year for Skills Canada Nunavut. Now...let's make 2017-18 even better!

This year we are adding a new component to our Territorial Skills Competition in the Video Production competition area. As well as having to produce, shoot, edit and present a film on an unknown topic in only 6 hours on competition day, we are inviting our Video Production teams across Nunavut to submit a #FocusOnSafety video in conjunction with WSCC NU-NWT's #FocusOnSafety competition.

Highlights of the WSCC's #FocusOnSafety Competition and Why You Should Enter:

Open to all high school students across Nunavut

Can be filmed in the language of the students' preference, including Inuktitut and French

The winning team will receive $1000 as well as $1000 for their school

Skills Canada Nunavut is committed to safety!

This is an exciting new project for us as all aspects of our programs have a safety focus. We even have an entire Workplace Safety competition at the Territorial and National competition level! Each competitor is required to attend a safety workshop prior to the commencement of their competition and the WSCC's #FocusOnSafety will allow our students to explore topics of safety that relate to them, their culture and communities.

All Skills Video Production teams will have the opportunity to screen their #FocusOnSafety videos at the Territorial Skills Competition in Iqaluit on April 9th, 2017

Allowing students to create and submit a video in advance means that they will have the opportunity to work at their own pace, in an area they are comfortable with and with equipment they are used to. We are excited to introduce this #FocusOnSafety challenge into our competition to see what our students come up with! Thanks WSCC for the inspiration!

For more information, contact Skills Canada Nunavut today!

bb@skillscanada.com 867-979-5281 x 1411

Note: The WSCC's #FocusOnSafety contest is open to ALL students, not just Skills Nunavut Video Production teams.

We are joining World Skills and Skills Canada to celebrate and recognize women's contributions to the labour force, particularly in trades and technologies. Skills Nunavut is committed to removing the barriers and stigmas for women and girls wanting to pursue a career in the skilled trades industries, particularly careers that have been previously deemed "men's jobs".

Support the #HeForShe campaign in Nunavut by cheering on and welcoming female students and apprentices in your community and helping them succeed. Women are strong, smart, equally skilled and passionate about all areas of work. We need skilled women in a variety of roles, building a better world for all of us!

This year, we already have 36 female competitors registered for our Territorial Skills Competition out of 60 registered competitors. 2 out of our 3 apprentice electricians competing this year are female. And a big shout out to our two National medalist in 2016 Matilda Pinksen and Chidinma Umenwofor-Nweze who not only inspired students across the territory, but showed the country that women can do amazing things when given the opportunities and support!

Skills Nunavut is so excited to announce the addition of Snap Circuits, LEGO Robotics Kits and 2-D Animation programs to be used at our Skills Workshops in high schools across Nunavut! Not only does this equipment teach valuable science and technology skills, but so far our students and teachers have been begging to keep working on their projects long after the bell rings because they are having so much fun!

Basic circuit with fan attachment

Working with your hands, problem solving, and creative thinking are all key characteristics to trade and technology occupations. Yet, students are rarely exposed to these types of activities in the classroom. Exposing students, especially Nunavut youth, to alternative types of learning- especially hands-on activities- is not only a huge advantage in improving their academic success and keeping them in school, but also motivates them to find something they like to do, and then to make their passions a possible career.

We tested out tour newly acquired Snap Circuit kits with students from grades 8-12 in Pangnirtung, Inuksuk High School math and science teachers, and the grade 12 Apprentice Math class in Iqaluit. Not only did the students enjoy building the circuits, they managed to follow the manual and build the more advanced circuits through troubleshooting and working together. Every class did not want stop building and the final group of grade 12s stayed an extra hour after school to see how much more they could learn. By the end of the day, six students were very interested in pursuing a career in electrical wiring and asked how they could get into that field.

We wish we could run workshops in schools every day and expose more and more students to the opportunities that exist for them: it is possible to have fun at work everyday, and to be outside and using your hands and minds, while being paid. Students need to be made aware of the different types of careers that are open to them, like robotics and animation, and that they can do these things too!

Pangnirtung Grade 11's solve use the water circuit to turn on their speaker.

We hope our Skills Workshops will inspire more students and educators to try new ways to learn and teach, and be excited about the endless possibilities of a future in the trades and technologies!

I ran and completed the Toronto Waterfront Marathon on October 16th. It was hot and humid day in the city, which made running extra challenging. I ran the first 21km in 1hr 41 minutes, which was on-track my goal time, but due to heat exhaustion I slowed down quite a bit during the second half. I was so proud and relieved when I crossed the finish line at 3hr 42min. It was not my personal best, but I have never run in such miserably sticky conditions so I am happy that I stuck with it and didn't stop until I saw my friends and family at the finish line.

Organized sporting events are such a great way to share stories of life and the realities of Nunavut with people across the country. I met so many runners and organizations who were so interested to know about training, living and everything else about Nunavut. I am still shocked at how many Canadians stereotype the North and are unaware about the real challenges and beauty of Nunavut, so running this marathon was extra inspiring for me.

For the next month I will continue to collect donations for Skills Nunavut. Training for marathons is not easy, but I really enjoy it and each run begins with just one step and the decision to just do it. I am motivated by the dedication and commitment that students across Nunavut have to mastering and pursuing their dreams even though conditions here can be extra challenging for them. I know 2016-17 will be our busiest and best year yet!

From June 5-8, the 22nd Annual SCNC was held this year in Canada's beautiful east coast city of Moncton, NB. After an exciting Territorial Skills Competition at Inuksuk High School in Iqaluit last month, we assembled a talented, excited group of secondary and post-secondary students to represent Nunavut at the Skills Canada National Competition. Once again, we are proud to show off our diverse team of students from across Nunavut. We were fortunate enough to have our very own Skills Nunavut Media Squad this year (members of Iqaluit's TV/Video Club) and they followed Team Nunavut around like paparazzi, capturing the experience of all our competitors, as well at the memorable moments leaving Nunavut and all the way to the competition floor.

Team Nunavut outside of the Moncton Coliseum, en route to Opening Ceremonies

In preparation for the competition, we enjoyed at Fun Day out in Moncton to learn about life in New Brunswick and also to bond and support each other as a strong team.

Amalea Gibbons of Arviat explore the forests of Centennial Park at TreeGo!

Showing off our team shirts at Hopewell Rocks at the Bay of Fundy (where the tides are higher than Frobisher Bay!)

Opening Ceremonies

We may be one of the smallest Skills teams in Canada, we every year at competition we blow the other provincial and territorial delegations away with our spirit, creativity and exuberance...not to mention NOISE!

Competition Days!!!

Competing at the National level is not easy- competitors have two intense, long days of competition where they must remain focused on their skill, often working alone, following complicated instructions and looking up only to smile for the camera!

Amalea working on her Women's Style

Kim Smith completing her electrical wiring

We are so impressed by Michael's house!

Nunavut's robot gave a good fight

Andrew presenting his mussels provençale on Day 1

Cara Killiktee keeping it real at the Job Search competition.

Closing Ceremonies!

We could not be prouder of our talented Team Nunavut. These students have all worked so hard and travelled such a long way to prove that they can work along side the best of the country in their different trade and technology area. We can't wait until Skills Canada National Competition 2017 taking place in Winnipeg. You'll see these students again soon in the National spotlight. Well done!

Get ready...65 students from across Nunavut will compete in 17 different trades and technology events at the 11th Annual TERRITORIAL SKILLS COMPETITIONon Saturday, April 30! It is a one-of-a kind-event with competitions and activities happening simultaneously- like a reality TV show!...featuring Nunavut's talented youth!

Featured Competitions:

-Aesthetics

-Baking

-Carpentry (secondary + post-secondary)

-Cooking

-Cultural Sewing

-Electrical Wiring

-Graphic Design

-Hairstyling

-Information Technology

-Job Search

-Job Skills Demonstration

-Photography

-Public Speaking

-Robotics

-TV/Video Production

-Workplace Safety

Come out and show your support by watching LIVE at Insuksuk High school 9-4pm. There will also be a Career Fair, LOONIE/TOONIE SALE, 50/50, silent auction, robotics demonstration and more, 1-3:30! All events are FREE and open to the community! Gold medalists move on to the National Skills Competition in Moncton, NB! For more information, to help out or to donate items/baked good, please contact Skills Canada Nunavut today!-Bibi and JanisSkills Canada Nunavut867-979-5281 ex 1411

Skills Canada Nunavut will be presenting at the Inuksuk High School Career Fair on Wednesday, February 24 from 1-3pm. We will also have a booth set up with lots of free Skills Swag (yup, we will be giving away toques and sunglasses!)

If you are or know a high school student who is interested in a career in the skilled trades or looking for FREE, FUN opportunities to get involved and learn something new in your community...come join us!

It was an exciting week for us: not only did we have a chance to drive on the longest road in Nunavut, but we got to experience a day in the life of an apprentice, working at Agnico Eagle's Meadowbank Gold Mine. Due to temperamental weather our flight arrived 12 hours late to Baker Lake, meaning we had to drive the icy 150km road to the mine site in the dark. It felt like we were in a video game as we twisted up and down the hilly tundra, not sure what to expect next. Luckily we got to share the journey with Vincent, a young Haul Truck Driver from Coral Harbour who had been weathered out from his shift due to a week of blizzards.

Finally, we arrived at the Main Camp (which felt more like we are at space station than anything else!) and settled into our dorm rooms. Employees at Meadowbank work 12 hour shifts for 2 weeks straight, followed by 2 weeks off. They are flown up by the Agnico Eagle jet from Rankin Inlet, Val d'Or or Montreal...or they take the 2.5 hour scenic route from Baker Lake, like we did. When had to be quiet in our rooms at all times as mine employees have staggered start times- there is always someone starting shift, just getting off or napping. To blow off steam, we ran around the track at the amazing indoor gym. The cafeteria was also something to marvel at: 24-access with delicious, never-ending supply of meals and snacks. We were in awe of the crisp lettuce and fresh char. If you're working a gruelling 12-hour shift, at least you can expect to eat well 24/7.

Back lot of Meadowbank- or should I say Space Camp!? ;)

Kayla Parker of Baker Lake is just beginning her journey as a Culinary Arts apprentice. She has always been an avid baker and her family and community appreciate her talent in the kitchen. At Meadowbank she is loved by the chefs and other kitchen staff. She gets the opportunity to craft new pastries and loves making pasta for the other Meadowbank employees. In a few weeks she will go to Alberta for culinary school. She hopes to open a bakery in Baker Lake when she graduates. She is excited to go to school, but will miss being out on the land on her skidoo (her other passion).

Meeting with the registered apprentices at Meadowbank was definitely the highlight of our trip. We got to sit down and interview Norman Eecherk who had just returned from successfully obtaining his Red Seal in Welding (no longer an apprentice but a full-fledged welder!). He shared the secret to his success: hard work, staying in school until the end...but that it is all worth it. He hopes to open his own business in Rankin Inlet one day, and employ young people in the community to be his apprentices! Norman works in Meadowbank's giant truck shop where the machines he services look more like dinosaurs than trucks- every person's dream!

Program Coordinator, Bibi, getting a tour of Norman Eecherk's giant "office" at Meadowbank. Working in the truck shop is an important job.

On our way back to Iqaluit, we stopped at the Arctic College Trade School in Rankin Inlet to meet Ben, a Plumbing apprentice, and Amelia, starting her Electrical Level 1. Ben returned to Trade School after working locally in his community for a few years. He is excited to be back in school, ambitiously completing Levels 1 and 2 at the same time. He says plumbing is a very rewarding career as it's about solving problems everyday. Amelia Netser is from Coral Harbour and began at Meadowbank as a Haul Truck Driver working in the pit. She had always been interested in becoming an electrician and took advantage of all the training opportunities at Meadowbank. "I just love it!" she beams when we ask her how she finds her electrical projects. Amelia now has her own apartment in Ottawa and commutes back to school and Meadowbank for her rotations. It was inspiring to talk to such a passionate young woman who has earned her independence but continues to learn and set goals for herself.Amelia Netser, Apprentice Electrician

Benjamin Kusugek, Apprentice Plumber

Lessons Learned from Apprentices at Meadowbank:

There are lots of opportunities here in Nunavut to do what you love, learn new skills while getting paid.

You can get to work on exciting projects and be involved in creating something real and meaningful.

After graduating from your program, you have enough work experience and accreditation to open your own business in your home community.

You get to meet new, fun people everyday and find people who will be your friends and mentors for life!

If you need help, someone is there to help you.

As an apprentice, your employer will cover your college and travel costs until you graduate.

Although it may seem like hard work, apprentices have fun at work everyday.

Everyone should try a trade at least once!

Keep your eyes out for some of these apprentices at the Nunavut Territorial Skills Competition!

Skills Nunavut would like to share big thank you to all of the students and schools in Nunavut who participated in the Draw-A-Trade Colouring Book Competition. We received over 200 drawings and all brought smiles to our faces. Even though we could only select 3 winners from each age category, and 2 overall winners, we will be including many more entries into our final Skills Nunavut Colouring Book...so keep your eyes peeled for your drawings!

The National Skills Competition will be held in Moncton, N from June 5-8, 2016.

Members of Team Nunavut are selected based on results of performances at the Territorial Skills Competition. This is an opportunity for students in every community across Nunavut to have fun demonstrating what they are interested in, live in Iqaluit.

The Territorial Competition is a one day event held at Inuksuk High school on Saturday, April 30. Each competition is designed based on what the students will be doing at Nationals. In January Skills Nunavut will post our contest description, so keep practicing!